Cost of Living in Canada and How to Save

Last updated on July 10th, 2024 at 11:27 am

Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its modern and advanced education system. While the cost of living in Canada can be quite high, the appeal of studying there remains strong, thanks to the promising career opportunities for long-term residents and the quality research facilities at universities. 

Living in Canada offers an attractive lifestyle, but it’s important to note that the cost of living can be quite steep. These costs can vary depending on the location and your personal lifestyle. 

So before you decide to move to Canada, it’s essential to get a clear idea of how much living there will cost. In this article, we’ll break down the estimated cost of living in Canada that you should consider.

Breakdown of Living Costs in Canada

Food & Drink Costs in Canada

With the high cost of living in Canada, budgeting for food becomes crucial, especially if you’re not staying in a dorm. 

One money-saving tip is buying ingredients in bulk to cook your own meals, as it’s generally more affordable than eating out. Here’s a rough idea of the prices for some basic food items in Canada if you decide to cook for yourself:

If you prefer dining out, Canada has plenty of fast food options, especially with a wide variety of Middle Eastern and Latin American cuisine due to a large immigrant population. Eating out in Canada usually costs anywhere from CAD 10 to CAD 70 or roughly Rp116,406 to Rp814,847.

Transportation costs

Canada is a very bike- and pedestrian-friendly country, so walking or cycling can be great ways to save on transportation costs. 

Another option is public transport like buses and trains, where students can often get discounts or benefit from subscription card offers. A typical single trip on public transport costs around CAD 3, or about Rp34,909.

Housing Costs

Most universities in Canada offer on-campus housing such as dormitories town house near the campus. These options are generally cheaper than renting an apartment, with prices ranging from around CAD 350 to CAD 650 per month.

• Shared apartments: CAD 380–750 per month
• Townhouses: CAD 250–625 per month
• Unfurnished apartments: CAD 300–450 per month

Other Fees

One of the benefits of studying in Canada is having access to free health insurance, including services like doctor visits and dental care. 

However, international students will need to register and complete any necessary documentation with their university to access these services. 

If you’re not covered by health insurance, the cost of a doctor’s consultation in Canada is around CAD 100, or about Rp1,164,446. Medication costs range between CAD 10–25, or Rp116,444 to Rp291,112.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a backup fund for other expenses and entertainment. You might want to set aside around CAD 600–700 (Rp6,986,118–Rp8,150,471) for extra costs.

Read Also: How to Save on Living Expenses Abroad

Total Monthly Living Costs in Canada

Based on the breakdown above, here’s an estimate of your total monthly living expenses in Canada in IDR: 

Food & Drink: CAD 214–300 (Rp2,500,000–Rp3,500,000) Accommodation: CAD 386–601 (Rp4,500,000–Rp7,000,000) Transportation: CAD 85–257 (Rp1,000,000–Rp3,000,000) 

Internet: CAD 30–51 (Rp350,000–Rp600,000) Miscellaneous (entertainment, daily expenses): CAD 600–700 (Rp6,000,000–Rp8,000,000)

Tips for Saving on Living Costs in Canada

If you want to save money while living in Canada, there are a few tips you can follow during your stay there.

First, to reduce your housing expenses, choose to live in a dormitory. If that’s not possible, consider renting an apartment in the suburbs or a room in a private home at a more affordable price. Sharing a place with a roommate is also an option for splitting the rent.

Second, buying groceries in bulk and cooking at home will help you save on your food budget. Third, you can use public transportation, ride a bike, or walk to reduce your transportation costs. Fourth, if health insurance isn’t covered by the government, choose a plan with premiums and benefits that suit your needs.

Finally, to save money on entertainment and other personal expenses, look for promotions or special offers. Use the service Easylink to make money transfers that are safer, easier, and faster to more than 170 countries. So, what are you waiting for? Send money to Canada Just use Easylink!